Concentration

A large box arrived earlier this month, only to be quickly stowed into a closet far away from little curious eyes. To make sure there was no clue to content, I even removed the shipping label....
When Bob finished his Qualifying Exams last week, we knew we would have a slow, relaxing Saturday morning together, the perfect time to unveil the content of the box for some male bonding over models.
Although the box had been hidden away for some time, there was no forgetting it and eyes had barely blinked a first time on Saturday morning before the box was hauled out and content revealed. Deep in concentration, no regards for anything else, they quickly assembled their first solar powered contraption, only to take it apart and build another one, and then another one - this time not using the instructions but freely creating. The challenge now is how to figure out a way to store the solar energy generated from the small panel... holding a vehicle under a bright light to make it go is only so much fun... I am sure that by week's end there is a new contraption designed, built and ready for field testing maybe even for outdoor use if only the sun would shine brightly enough.

Smile you are on candid camera!

Yes, the small camera and rat's nest of cord does lead some where... to a small video monitor. Lukas found a 'must have' security system at Harbor Freight Tool on Friday and we now have 24 hour surveillance of our home. After testing out the equipment, the cameras are now safely installed in their bedroom, one pointing out the window and one towards the door. There are such challenges when one lives in a large home, having to have video monitors to see what is going on......
I know that I am sleeping more soundly now that I know my boys are on security patrol.

Testing..

No 2 pencils + timers + bubble sheets = testing

This was testing week for our family. The boys spent three days this week working through the IOWA test and Bob spent the last three days on his written qualifying exams.
Noah finished first on Thursday and was dismissed to his room while his brother completed his test. Only moments later, did he reappear this time visibly disturbed.... An inquiry revealed his complaint, and it was serious: "When I was done with three days of hard tests, you did not even congratulate me, Mamma!"
As soon as Lukas finished we headed to MYO for a treat. Tonight, we are celebrating Bob being done and PASSING, with pizza and movie curled up on the couch - let the weekend begin, no school work no study!

Saturday means candy

Before Tammy and I headed out running errands, leaving Mike in charge of all four children, we thought it would be best to provide the requisite Saturday sugar ratio. Armed with their own small glass bowl Noah, Lukas, Faith and Hope hunted and pecked through the assortment to choose the favorites, packing the bowl to the brim. Once all the bowls filled, the supplies safely tucked away in its storage place, we left...

Sunset

The four friends posed on the beach before we headed back home for dinner. Although they were wet, tired, sandy and cold, they happily posed for one last photograph before climbing the hill to the car, soft seats, warm heat, and maybe even clean clothes. Sand play is not for the faint hearted, and certainly not for those wanting to keep the car nice and tidy... sand sticks to everything, and despite repeated sweepings there are remnants found at the most unusual places days later, bringing back fond memories of a great time.

Pebble Beach Golf Course

We walked Pebble Golf Course, and some of us ran Pebble Beach Golf course. After a few hours on the rocks any grass would feel heavenly on sore feet, but Pebble grass is the best. The kids ran across the course, frolicking like newly released lambs. The adults acted a bit more responsible, yet we all enjoyed the velvety lawns, as we prepared for the sunset.

Good friends

Dear friends came to town this past weekend! We spent Friday morning at the theater and had to counter such high brow activity with good old sand fun in the afternoon, and headed to Carmel Beach in the hopes of a beautiful sunset. Although we can spend hours combing the beach for the best and most incredible shell, the smoothest rock, and the biggest crab, the pictures documenting these activities are not that becoming - most of the time is spent in the bend down keeping the eyes on the surf position... with the buckus (as my friend Mary Jo called it) high up in the air.
Mike and Tam were kind enough to pose for at least one nicer looking photo, and even Faith could break away momentarily to pose, but were off searching as soon as the shutter closed.
Soft, well dressed feet are a bit tender when first encountering the rocks, but it did not seem to stop either Faith nor Hope who swiftly dashed across the rocky shore line in search for THE find.